Enhanced Cue Exposure Therapy for Negative Emotional Eating

Launched by THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · Aug 21, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach called Enhanced Cue Exposure Therapy (E-CET) to help people who struggle with negative emotional eating, which is when someone eats in response to feelings like sadness or stress. The researchers want to see if E-CET is more effective than a different program called behavioral lifestyle intervention (BLI) that also helps with healthy eating habits. The trial is currently recruiting participants, and anyone aged 18 or older who has been experiencing emotional eating for at least three months may be eligible to join. Participants should have at least two episodes of negative emotional eating each week.

If you decide to participate, you will be randomly assigned to either the E-CET program or the BLI program, and you won’t know which one you’re in. Throughout the study, you’ll attend therapy sessions designed to help you manage your eating behaviors better. It’s important to note that individuals with severe mental health issues, current substance abuse, or those receiving certain treatments may not qualify for the study. This trial aims to find effective ways to help people improve their relationship with food and their emotions.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • aged 18 or over
• • a score \>3.25 on the emotional eating subscale of the Dutch Eating Behavioural Questionnaire lasting for three months or longer
• • confirmed to have, on average, two or more NEE episodes per week using ecological momentary assessments (EMAs)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • active suicidal intent or plan
• • psychiatric illnesses except mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders because mood and anxiety disorders and symptoms are common in those with NEE
• • currently receiving psychotherapy, or adjusting to changing psychiatric medication
• • substance abuse
• • any conditions or circumstances that prevent the participant from receiving all treatment sessions